Free Past Due by Catherine Winchester Page B

inside.
    When she turned back to him she had a gun aimed at his heart.
     

Chapter Six
    “ Frankie?”
    “ It’s loaded with silver hollow-point bullets. Even if they don’t kill you, they’ll slow you down until I can.”
    “ What’s wrong?”
    “ Nothing.”
    “ It’s hardly nothing if you’re aiming a gun at me.”
    “ I felt nothing. No memories at all. You’re as blank to me as those symbols on the walls.”
    “ You’re saying you think I killed them?”
    “ I’m saying it’s too much of a coincidence. I have never encountered someone who doesn’t leave a psychic impression, now both you and the killer don’t?”
    “ It could very well be a vampire, Frankie, but it isn’t me.”
    “ How do I know you’re telling the truth?”
    “ Firstly because once you told me you didn’t get an impression from the symbols, I wouldn’t have been stupid enough to touch you if I had drawn them. Secondly, you caught a glimpse of the killer. Perhaps not enough to identify him in a line-up, but surely you can say if it was me or not? And finally-”
    Before she knew what was happening her gun was gone and Frankie’s back was to the wall with Alex pressed up against her, one of his hands resting lightly on her throat. “If I wished you harm, you’d already be dead.”
    Frankie reigned in her panic and considered his points. He had conceded it might be another vampire and, honestly, she didn’t believe he was guilty. She believed he was capable of killing, but the level of deception since then to get her on side made no sense.
    “ I’m sorry, I panicked.” She raised her gaze from his chest and looked into his eyes, afraid she’d see anger there. Instead she saw hunger, and not for her blood.
    “ Frankie.” His voice was full of desire as he looked down at her. Right now Alex wanted her more than anything but he also knew he couldn’t push her. She was like a beautiful butterfly and if he tried to catch her, he would lose her.
    The other implications of his touch began to dawn on Frankie. If she could touch him and not see his memories…
    She found her gaze locked on his lips. They were slightly parted and she could see a flash of fang. Suddenly her racing heartbeat had nothing to do with fear and everything to do with passion.
    Yes, he was a vampire and by most definitions, a monster, but he was silent to her. She could finally know the touch of another without seeing all their deepest, darkest secrets. She could know what normal people felt like.
    Both terrified and exhilarated, she met his gaze, raised her hands and slid them behind his neck. She leaned forward slowly. Half hoping something would stop them, yet sure she would kill whatever tried, she pressed her lips onto his.
    It took every ounce of control Alex had ever learnt not to simply take her up against the wall where they stood but he knew this could be so much more than just sex. He hadn't felt this strongly about anyone for over two hundred years and he couldn’t lose her.
    They stayed where they were for a long time, mouths and hands exploring each other. Alex trailed kisses down over her jaw and pressed his lips onto her neck. Her pulse jumped but she didn’t push him away. Finally he scooped her into his arms and carried her upstairs.
    He laid her gently on the bed and began undressing her. Uncomfortable under his gaze, she pulled his head down to her lips again. Alex was disappointed, he wanted to see her but he was well acquainted with modesty too. Only recently had most women become more comfortable with their sexuality.
    He took things slowly. Realising this was probably the first sexual experience she would be able to enjoy; he was going to do everything he could to make sure she did enjoy it.
    Once her clothes were gone he explored her body, first with his hands, then with his lips. He teased her until she was ready to scream before finally giving her the release she craved. The image of her laying panting was almost enough to